The Family of Rotary extends to all

We often refer to the Family of Rotary. Friendship was the rock on which Rotary was built. The Rotary family can be interpreted in many ways - the members of our club and friends we make across the country, or indeed throughout the world.

Recently, four generations of my own family gathered together for a fun evening at Orton’s annual Beetle Drive. We were part of the Family of Rotary when, my husband (a Rotarian from a different club), our daughter, one of our grandsons and our three great grandchildren and I attended this club event. Over 40 Rotarians, families and friends enjoyed a fish and chip supper before entering into friendly competition. Everyone was eager to shout that magic word “Beetle”.

In good spirit we played eight rounds of the game with many strange beetles (all anatomically incorrect having four legs rather than the usual six) were drawn on the sheets. Good mental exercise for the young and not so young adding up the scores, and finally a large Easter egg going to the winner - my eldest grandson RJ. It was then time for the raffle where every child won a prize. Thanks to the generosity of John Bigham (a previous member and still part of the family of Rotary) who subsidised the food, and members who gave raffle prizes, the evening raised over £300 to su- pport our charitable aims.

Thanks to Rotary, it was a fabulous family evening, enjoyed by all generations.

The Family of Rotary extends worldwide. As a Rotarian you will receive a warm welcome at any Rotary club in the world. Exchange trips are a common feature of the programme at most clubs.

John Dewis of the Peterborough club visited New England on the Eastern seaboard of the United States. He was part of a group study exchange organised to enable people to see how their jobs are carried out in other countries.

At each club he visited banners were exchanged as a memento of his visit. President Christine displays the banners he collected which will be displayed, along with many others, at future formal functions.

A weekly round-up of news and views from Rotary clubs in the Peterborough area: www.rotary1070.org